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Feeding You Lies: How to Unravel the Food Industry's Playbook and Reclaim Your Health
This follow-up to New York Times bestseller The Food Babe Way exposes the lies we've been told about our food--and takes readers on a journey to find healthy options.
There's so much confusion about what to eat. Are you jumping from diet to diet and nothing seems to work? Are you sick of seeing contradictory health advice from experts? Just like the tobacco industry lied to us about the dangers of cigarettes, the same untruths, cover-ups, and deceptive practices are occurring in the food industry. Vani Hari, aka The Food Babe, blows the lid off the lies we've been fed about the food we eat--lies about its nutrient value, effects on our health, label information, and even the very science we base our food choices on. You'll
• How nutrition research is manipulated by food company funded experts
• How to spot fake news generated by Big Food
• The tricks food companies use to make their food addictive
• Why labels like "all natural" and "non-GMO" aren't what they seem and how to identify the healthiest food
• Food marketing hoaxes that persuade us into buying junk food disguised as health food
Vani guides you through a 48-hour Toxin Takedown to rid your pantry, and your body, of harmful chemicals--a quick and easy plan that anyone can do. A blueprint for living your life without preservatives, artificial sweeteners, additives, food dyes, or fillers, eating foods that truly nourish you and support your health, Feeding You Lies is the first step on a new path of truth in eating--and a journey to your best health ever.
There's so much confusion about what to eat. Are you jumping from diet to diet and nothing seems to work? Are you sick of seeing contradictory health advice from experts? Just like the tobacco industry lied to us about the dangers of cigarettes, the same untruths, cover-ups, and deceptive practices are occurring in the food industry. Vani Hari, aka The Food Babe, blows the lid off the lies we've been fed about the food we eat--lies about its nutrient value, effects on our health, label information, and even the very science we base our food choices on. You'll
• How nutrition research is manipulated by food company funded experts
• How to spot fake news generated by Big Food
• The tricks food companies use to make their food addictive
• Why labels like "all natural" and "non-GMO" aren't what they seem and how to identify the healthiest food
• Food marketing hoaxes that persuade us into buying junk food disguised as health food
Vani guides you through a 48-hour Toxin Takedown to rid your pantry, and your body, of harmful chemicals--a quick and easy plan that anyone can do. A blueprint for living your life without preservatives, artificial sweeteners, additives, food dyes, or fillers, eating foods that truly nourish you and support your health, Feeding You Lies is the first step on a new path of truth in eating--and a journey to your best health ever.
328 pages, Hardcover
First published February 19, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 119 reviews
July 31, 2022
As a registered dietitian, I was very excited to pick this book up (it didn’t hurt that it was 50% off when I bought it!) But looking at the author’s name, I should have known right away it wouldn’t be the best quality, because she has no credentials whatsoever. She calls herself a “food activist,” but that doesn’t translate into understanding the science research that she attempts to interpret. Yet her alarmist view on foods is the probably the least problematic part of this book.
I do applaud her for fighting against the tactics the food/agricultural/chemical industries use at the cost of American’s health. Her thoroughness diving into the tactics these industries use, the same tactics Big Tobacco used decades ago, is the highlight of this book. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for the overwhelming faults of this book.
My biggest problem with this book isn’t that she slams registered dietitians so often (which is unfair, as the majority of us are not accepting money from food companies to peddle sodas and the like). My biggest problem is her condescending, holier-than-thou, privileged view on how we should eat. Is it ideal to eat organic, non-GMO foods? Sure. But throughout each chapter detailing the different additives/pesticides/flavoring in our food, her voice comes off as “I care about my health and my family’s health, so I only buy organic. Do you love your family enough to do the same?” And it’s just not that easy.
Millions of Americans can barely afford to put food on the table, let alone organic produce, meat, and dairy. As a dietitian, my focus is getting my clients to wean off processed foods and turn towards fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats. Especially for those in a lower socioeconomic class, that is already a struggle enough. Why spend a dollar on a few apples when you can get a burger at McDonald’s for that much? Part of my job is helping educate people on how to make eating healthier possible on a budget. But when you struggle to even be able to buy some frozen veggies and fresh chicken, why on earth would you concern yourself with whether it’s organic or not?!
The shame and condescension that Hari has threaded throughout her book is what makes this such an unpleasant read. You are not a bad person if you can’t afford to buy non-GMO, organic, additive-free foods. And that’s how Hari‘s book reads. If you don’t make these changes to your diet, you don’t care enough about your health and the health of those you love. It reminds me a lot of Girl, Wash Your Face. Yes, the main principles behind the book are noble, but the privilege of the author ruins the concept.
. This book was not written for the populations that are most affected by the food industry’s playbook. It is written for those who can afford to shop at Whole Foods, who feel morally superior for “saving the health of their families.” And that’s a shame.
I do applaud her for fighting against the tactics the food/agricultural/chemical industries use at the cost of American’s health. Her thoroughness diving into the tactics these industries use, the same tactics Big Tobacco used decades ago, is the highlight of this book. Unfortunately, that doesn’t make up for the overwhelming faults of this book.
My biggest problem with this book isn’t that she slams registered dietitians so often (which is unfair, as the majority of us are not accepting money from food companies to peddle sodas and the like). My biggest problem is her condescending, holier-than-thou, privileged view on how we should eat. Is it ideal to eat organic, non-GMO foods? Sure. But throughout each chapter detailing the different additives/pesticides/flavoring in our food, her voice comes off as “I care about my health and my family’s health, so I only buy organic. Do you love your family enough to do the same?” And it’s just not that easy.
Millions of Americans can barely afford to put food on the table, let alone organic produce, meat, and dairy. As a dietitian, my focus is getting my clients to wean off processed foods and turn towards fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean meats. Especially for those in a lower socioeconomic class, that is already a struggle enough. Why spend a dollar on a few apples when you can get a burger at McDonald’s for that much? Part of my job is helping educate people on how to make eating healthier possible on a budget. But when you struggle to even be able to buy some frozen veggies and fresh chicken, why on earth would you concern yourself with whether it’s organic or not?!
The shame and condescension that Hari has threaded throughout her book is what makes this such an unpleasant read. You are not a bad person if you can’t afford to buy non-GMO, organic, additive-free foods. And that’s how Hari‘s book reads. If you don’t make these changes to your diet, you don’t care enough about your health and the health of those you love. It reminds me a lot of Girl, Wash Your Face. Yes, the main principles behind the book are noble, but the privilege of the author ruins the concept.
. This book was not written for the populations that are most affected by the food industry’s playbook. It is written for those who can afford to shop at Whole Foods, who feel morally superior for “saving the health of their families.” And that’s a shame.
June 4, 2019
Although I agree with much of what the author says, it is not a very intetesting book and very repetitious.
All that the author has written could be summed up with the following:
- Big food companies, chemical companies, and government lie about nutrition.
- Do not eat processed food.
- Eat whole, natural foods.
All that the author has written could be summed up with the following:
- Big food companies, chemical companies, and government lie about nutrition.
- Do not eat processed food.
- Eat whole, natural foods.
February 22, 2019
It’s about time the lies of of food industry are exposed, and Vani Hari thoroughly investigates this deception and delivers it in an easy to read book. She highlights the widespread corruption of big food business & reveals how they are in bed with politicians, professors & “health experts” who consumers are led to believe are unbiased and trustworthy- all to promote their toxic products and pass them off to the public as not only edible, but healthy (it’s laughable).
For many years our country has failed us by allowing these companies to fill our family’s food with harmful and toxic chemicals and substances that we have no business eating. Hari highlights how many of the same foods in other countries have a different list of ingredients because they are not allowed to get away with filling their products with these toxic chemicals. Apparently these businesses can still turn a profit in the U.K without using cheap additives and fillers, so why poison U.S. families with disease- causing ingredients? Because they can.
This book is an important step in the right direction that can hopefully lead to government reform that places stricter guidelines on ingredients used in our food. Or maybe these big businesses can reallocate their funds & spend more on quality ingredients to making a safer product, rather than spend millions in their PR department to convince us their foods aren’t dangerous.
Thank you Vani Hari for being a pioneer and caring about the people who have been failed by the food industry.
For many years our country has failed us by allowing these companies to fill our family’s food with harmful and toxic chemicals and substances that we have no business eating. Hari highlights how many of the same foods in other countries have a different list of ingredients because they are not allowed to get away with filling their products with these toxic chemicals. Apparently these businesses can still turn a profit in the U.K without using cheap additives and fillers, so why poison U.S. families with disease- causing ingredients? Because they can.
This book is an important step in the right direction that can hopefully lead to government reform that places stricter guidelines on ingredients used in our food. Or maybe these big businesses can reallocate their funds & spend more on quality ingredients to making a safer product, rather than spend millions in their PR department to convince us their foods aren’t dangerous.
Thank you Vani Hari for being a pioneer and caring about the people who have been failed by the food industry.
March 2, 2021
I'm far from a perfect eater, but I do eat mostly whole foods, mostly vegetarian, and mostly home cooked. I choose not to read diet books or alternative health books because I don't need to be told to exclude more food groups or take supplements or detoxify myself.
I read Marion Nestle's Food Politics, and I was looking for a more recent book on the same topic. This one covers some of the same content, but it was written by a blogger and consumer advocate who is self-educated in nutrition. I bristled at the tone, which was both alarmist and self-promoting. There is one key message in the book: eat organic, whole foods. The rest is a detailed account of unsafe ingredients in American processed foods. If you are new to looking at ingredient lists on food packages, it will be helpful. Since Hari proclaims that each food additive causes obesity, heart disease and cancer, the reader tends to tune out after a while. Are all of these items equally unhealthy? She would say yes. Sometimes she is guilty of doing exactly what the food industry does: finding just one study to prove her point.
If you live in the EU or another area with better food regulation, there's no need to read the book. I was disappointed that the author barely acknowledged problems with the cost and availability of organic foods.
I liked Hari's commentary on gluten-free diets without a diagnosis, and on the interactions between herbs and drugs. I didn't like her uncritical endorsement of coconut oil, and the "healthy nutrients" in honey and maple syrup (they have trace minerals). While taking down chemicals in food, she includes carrageenan which, while apparently not healthy, has a natural source - Irish moss. She doesn't comment on celery extract as a source of nitrites; in fact there is no section on nitrites and nitrates. There is no comment on the issues of cattle run-off on organic crops like spinach. She doesn't seem to know you can buy first-pressed organic canola oil or that modern varieties are very low in erucic acid (hey, I lived in Saskatchewan!) Her approach to food takes the fun out of eating: "My favourite sushi chef prepares a special roll with all veggies and no white rice or unhealthy sauces."
Hari now sells natural supplements; as with all herbal supplements, the ingredients (turmeric, "Indian ginseng", "marine collagen") are not proven to have specific health benefits, but they appear to be harmless.
I am sure that The Food Babe's approach has sold well, and it will influence others to read food labels and eat real food. As such, she writes for the same market as Michael Pollan and 100 Days of Real Food. So I will stop nitpicking and cede to the greater good! And kudos to her for including a "detox" plan which is actually just two days of healthy food!
I read Marion Nestle's Food Politics, and I was looking for a more recent book on the same topic. This one covers some of the same content, but it was written by a blogger and consumer advocate who is self-educated in nutrition. I bristled at the tone, which was both alarmist and self-promoting. There is one key message in the book: eat organic, whole foods. The rest is a detailed account of unsafe ingredients in American processed foods. If you are new to looking at ingredient lists on food packages, it will be helpful. Since Hari proclaims that each food additive causes obesity, heart disease and cancer, the reader tends to tune out after a while. Are all of these items equally unhealthy? She would say yes. Sometimes she is guilty of doing exactly what the food industry does: finding just one study to prove her point.
If you live in the EU or another area with better food regulation, there's no need to read the book. I was disappointed that the author barely acknowledged problems with the cost and availability of organic foods.
I liked Hari's commentary on gluten-free diets without a diagnosis, and on the interactions between herbs and drugs. I didn't like her uncritical endorsement of coconut oil, and the "healthy nutrients" in honey and maple syrup (they have trace minerals). While taking down chemicals in food, she includes carrageenan which, while apparently not healthy, has a natural source - Irish moss. She doesn't comment on celery extract as a source of nitrites; in fact there is no section on nitrites and nitrates. There is no comment on the issues of cattle run-off on organic crops like spinach. She doesn't seem to know you can buy first-pressed organic canola oil or that modern varieties are very low in erucic acid (hey, I lived in Saskatchewan!) Her approach to food takes the fun out of eating: "My favourite sushi chef prepares a special roll with all veggies and no white rice or unhealthy sauces."
Hari now sells natural supplements; as with all herbal supplements, the ingredients (turmeric, "Indian ginseng", "marine collagen") are not proven to have specific health benefits, but they appear to be harmless.
I am sure that The Food Babe's approach has sold well, and it will influence others to read food labels and eat real food. As such, she writes for the same market as Michael Pollan and 100 Days of Real Food. So I will stop nitpicking and cede to the greater good! And kudos to her for including a "detox" plan which is actually just two days of healthy food!
May 13, 2019
My review of Vani Hari's new book: Everybody is lying to you. Except Vani. She has a yoga mat to prove it. Especially you lying shills (which is all of you, including Wikipedia editors). PS: Visit her TruVani sales site, buy her stuff (page 140). Because she's not lying to you.
This extended conspiracy theory would be laughable if it wasn't so pathetic. She repeats the same couple of triumphs she had (which were ultimately embarrasingly bogus) over and over. And nobody is confused by the nutritional value of Coke vs. broccoli. She's really just a laughingstock at this point. Save yourself, walk away from this book. The exercise will actually be good for you.
BTW: Vani is lying about pasteurization of milk. She's lying about PLU codes on produce. She's lying about a 48-hour detox. Even peak crank Jeffrey Smith got PLU right, years ago.
This extended conspiracy theory would be laughable if it wasn't so pathetic. She repeats the same couple of triumphs she had (which were ultimately embarrasingly bogus) over and over. And nobody is confused by the nutritional value of Coke vs. broccoli. She's really just a laughingstock at this point. Save yourself, walk away from this book. The exercise will actually be good for you.
BTW: Vani is lying about pasteurization of milk. She's lying about PLU codes on produce. She's lying about a 48-hour detox. Even peak crank Jeffrey Smith got PLU right, years ago.
September 25, 2019
The world of food and eating is quite complicated, made even more bewildering by the vested interests of massive corporations. The FDA is weak and ineffectual, leaving the companies to watch themselves. In such a case, who will watch the watchmen? Little groups that try are crowded out by the power of money. Phony companies and scientists in the pocket of Big Food try to obscure the truth when all people want is healthy food.
With Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari, all of these ties and lies are explored. I have not heard of Vani Hari before. Apparently, she has a website and she is disliked by Big Food. This is news to me since I don’t like reading or watching the news. As for food situations, I have read “Salt, Sugar, Fat” and I have read “Food: What the Heck Should I Eat.” These have both made me familiar with some food industry machinations and manipulations. I am not really familiar with Food Movements though. This is mainly because of the effort it requires to research the science and Follow the Money, so to speak.
My personal stance on stuff like organic food, pesticides, and GMOs have always been ambivalent. I am not a fan of being poisoned, but I always assumed that the Government wasn’t in the pockets of Big Food. As for GMOs, I never understood the backlash. We have been modifying our food since before the Bronze Age. As soon as we realized we could adjust crop yields and selectively breed better grain or fruit it has been difficult to stop doing so. However, now we have problems with intestinal disorders and things.
Vani Hari writes well enough, making a link between Big Tobacco and Big Food. I can recall seeing old cigarette commercials, but it has been a long time since they had any that targeted children. Sugary drinks and processed foods like candies and cakes are like the cigarettes of today. The only problem is that they are legal. The book is structured out in chapters. Makes sense, right? It starts by talking about the liars and how to follow the money. The next part shows the lies themselves. It talks about the foods we eat and why those foods are bad. The final part is an appendix that focuses on the various ingredients you can find in the foods you eat. It reads like a terrifying Chemistry textbook. I enjoyed this one. I found it in the library so it worked out pretty well.
With Feeding You Lies by Vani Hari, all of these ties and lies are explored. I have not heard of Vani Hari before. Apparently, she has a website and she is disliked by Big Food. This is news to me since I don’t like reading or watching the news. As for food situations, I have read “Salt, Sugar, Fat” and I have read “Food: What the Heck Should I Eat.” These have both made me familiar with some food industry machinations and manipulations. I am not really familiar with Food Movements though. This is mainly because of the effort it requires to research the science and Follow the Money, so to speak.
My personal stance on stuff like organic food, pesticides, and GMOs have always been ambivalent. I am not a fan of being poisoned, but I always assumed that the Government wasn’t in the pockets of Big Food. As for GMOs, I never understood the backlash. We have been modifying our food since before the Bronze Age. As soon as we realized we could adjust crop yields and selectively breed better grain or fruit it has been difficult to stop doing so. However, now we have problems with intestinal disorders and things.
Vani Hari writes well enough, making a link between Big Tobacco and Big Food. I can recall seeing old cigarette commercials, but it has been a long time since they had any that targeted children. Sugary drinks and processed foods like candies and cakes are like the cigarettes of today. The only problem is that they are legal. The book is structured out in chapters. Makes sense, right? It starts by talking about the liars and how to follow the money. The next part shows the lies themselves. It talks about the foods we eat and why those foods are bad. The final part is an appendix that focuses on the various ingredients you can find in the foods you eat. It reads like a terrifying Chemistry textbook. I enjoyed this one. I found it in the library so it worked out pretty well.
January 17, 2020
Vani manages what I feel like I never could, she knows how to hook people & get them to listen to her regarding what is going on with our corrupt food system. While I'm older than her, her story feels very similar to my own (& I imagine many others). My disgust led me to organic food, fighting for the Certified Organic label, growing my own & eventually quitting my job with my husband & moving to another state so we could run our own farm organically full time. That is how disgusted I am/was with our food system. Fast forward two decades & folks are so much more aware (although still not enough folks) of the corruption in our food system. When GMO's became much more widely recognized I was thrilled. I remember saying to my husband, that now organic would finally reach it's full potential. Instead, folks grew angry over a lack of GM labeling & starting focusing on buying non GMO food rather than supporting certified organic which is non GMO & so much more. It was & has been so disappointing for the organic movement. I love how Vani points out that organic is leaps & bounds better than non GMO & even points out that foods that are non GMO can & still do contain glyphosate. This is something I've been trying to teach folks for years. This misinformation is intentional to create as much confusion as possible regarding non GMO, organic, & conventional. The more confused folks are, the more likely they are to throw up their hands & give up.
While I've been shouting to the roof tops for the past 20 years about our food system, everyone looks at me like I'm crazy (less so now, then when I first started preaching). So, I may not be able to convince you, but maybe Vani can. Or maybe like me you are already a Food Babe follower & believer. If so, this book is worth gifting to someone who needs a little push in the right direction. You never know, it might finally click with them & we will have yet another educated consumer on our side. For me, this book is a nice refresher for what I already know. I am hoping it will help me educate others regarding our food system. Unlike other books of this type, Vani keeps it very conversational. She never bogs the reader down with more information than they can handle. Everything is clear & easy to understand. She also backs up her statements, providing pages of end notes that list her sources.
Lastly, while Vani has her own line of food products (Truvani) she mentions it in the book but doesn't push her products. The mention simply goes with her story regarding our food system. She even has a 48 hour detox plan which simply suggests eating very healthy organic foods. No special foods from her Truvani line. When I consider how many authors use opportunities like this to self promote their supplements/products, the fact that Vani didn't do this is highly commendable. I greatly appreciate the lack of a sales pitch. This book is pure, real, information. What you do with it is up to you.
I wish you good health.
While I've been shouting to the roof tops for the past 20 years about our food system, everyone looks at me like I'm crazy (less so now, then when I first started preaching). So, I may not be able to convince you, but maybe Vani can. Or maybe like me you are already a Food Babe follower & believer. If so, this book is worth gifting to someone who needs a little push in the right direction. You never know, it might finally click with them & we will have yet another educated consumer on our side. For me, this book is a nice refresher for what I already know. I am hoping it will help me educate others regarding our food system. Unlike other books of this type, Vani keeps it very conversational. She never bogs the reader down with more information than they can handle. Everything is clear & easy to understand. She also backs up her statements, providing pages of end notes that list her sources.
Lastly, while Vani has her own line of food products (Truvani) she mentions it in the book but doesn't push her products. The mention simply goes with her story regarding our food system. She even has a 48 hour detox plan which simply suggests eating very healthy organic foods. No special foods from her Truvani line. When I consider how many authors use opportunities like this to self promote their supplements/products, the fact that Vani didn't do this is highly commendable. I greatly appreciate the lack of a sales pitch. This book is pure, real, information. What you do with it is up to you.
I wish you good health.
April 11, 2019
This should be a must read for anyone who eats, or cares even a little bit about what they eat and where their food comes from. If you have ever been confused by food labels, ingredients you can't pronounce, and conflicting information given to you by the food industry (Big Food), then you need to read this book.
Vani Hari is a food activist and this book helps explain and clarify just what is in the food we are eating that is making us as a society fatter and sicker than we have ever been. Turns out Big Food doesn't really give a crap about your health, they just care about profits. (Shocking, I know! Sounds like Big Pharm).
This book is educational and also disturbing when you learn the lengths that the food industry goes to to perpetuate lies and keep you eating garbage. And they are pretty scary and deceptive when it comes to silencing food activists like this author who speak up and tell the truth. Some might argue that she is extreme but nobody can argue that she is not passionate. This stuff matters to her, and it should matter to all of us on some level.
Vani Hari is a food activist and this book helps explain and clarify just what is in the food we are eating that is making us as a society fatter and sicker than we have ever been. Turns out Big Food doesn't really give a crap about your health, they just care about profits. (Shocking, I know! Sounds like Big Pharm).
This book is educational and also disturbing when you learn the lengths that the food industry goes to to perpetuate lies and keep you eating garbage. And they are pretty scary and deceptive when it comes to silencing food activists like this author who speak up and tell the truth. Some might argue that she is extreme but nobody can argue that she is not passionate. This stuff matters to her, and it should matter to all of us on some level.
June 9, 2019
If you have ANY interest in your health, reducing toxins in your life, or learning how the “big guys” are tricking and scamming us all, this is a MUST READ. This shows I read it in one week but really I started it and got to page 12. Restarted a few days later and finished in 2 days.
I will be receiving more fully on my blog page. Alisnextchapter.com on June 14.
I will be receiving more fully on my blog page. Alisnextchapter.com on June 14.
February 22, 2019
This book will open your eyes!
This book is incredible useful. I discovered a lot of new information about how to eat safe and how to avoid the chemicals in our food.
This book is incredible useful. I discovered a lot of new information about how to eat safe and how to avoid the chemicals in our food.
January 29, 2024
This book goes into detail about many different issues with the food industry and how it became what it is. There’s a huge emphasis on how lies have been perpetuated by the funding and front groups of “big food” companies. It’s very eye opening. I liked how food additives were broken down and how she explained how we got to where we are with the ownership and funding of big food. As far as harmful food additives, I knew a lot of the content before reading this book. Something I always had questions about was why, if studies have proven the hazards of mainstream food in the US, didn’t protection agencies do anything about it? Why do the same companies use safer ingredients in other countries but not in the US? On top of that, why are consumers so blissfully ignorant to the irreparable damage they cause to their health my consuming these lab made products? It’s hard to believe the chemical conglomerates that are sold as food. The writer is known as Food Babe on instagram and has reached out to many companies for reform. Subway and their yoga mat chemical in bread, chickfila using antibiotic raised chicken, Starbucks and their caramel color, etc. In one section she wrote about factory farmers feeding cattle reject candy such as skittles to fatten them up when corn is too expensive. That’s one of the dumbest things I’ve ever heard in my life!!! But good to know. SMH 🤦♀️
March 10, 2023
|| 4.5 ⭐️ ||
I thought I knew about the corruption in the food industry, but the level to which this book demonstrated the reality of it was just jaw-dropping. I had no idea and I’m shocked and horrified. In a sense, I wish I hadn’t read this, wish I didn’t know any of this - because I’m coming away from this book feeling like my whole life has been a lie. However, I also couldn’t be more grateful that I’m being exposed to these realities now in my 20’s instead of years in the future. (The timing of picking up this book was also perfect - I already gave up sugar and processed food two months ago, so I was prepared to receive the message and I don’t feel the need to go out and make any dramatic changes in the way I eat because I already have.)
The wealth of information in this book is thoroughly researched and backed up, clearly and concisely laid out, making it easy to read and understand. I love how Vani gives so many tips throughout the book on lifestyle swaps to make to avoid dangerous food additives. She doesn’t just show you that the food industry is chaos, but she also makes the effort to show you a way out. Loved all the lists too. I’m a list person.
It’s clear to me now that knowing what’s in our food is incredibly important; not just for our health now, but in decades to come. If you don’t know where to start, this book breaks everything down very nicely and offers a lot of pointers. This is a book I’d recommend to everyone - especially if you’re raising kids.
I thought I knew about the corruption in the food industry, but the level to which this book demonstrated the reality of it was just jaw-dropping. I had no idea and I’m shocked and horrified. In a sense, I wish I hadn’t read this, wish I didn’t know any of this - because I’m coming away from this book feeling like my whole life has been a lie. However, I also couldn’t be more grateful that I’m being exposed to these realities now in my 20’s instead of years in the future. (The timing of picking up this book was also perfect - I already gave up sugar and processed food two months ago, so I was prepared to receive the message and I don’t feel the need to go out and make any dramatic changes in the way I eat because I already have.)
The wealth of information in this book is thoroughly researched and backed up, clearly and concisely laid out, making it easy to read and understand. I love how Vani gives so many tips throughout the book on lifestyle swaps to make to avoid dangerous food additives. She doesn’t just show you that the food industry is chaos, but she also makes the effort to show you a way out. Loved all the lists too. I’m a list person.
It’s clear to me now that knowing what’s in our food is incredibly important; not just for our health now, but in decades to come. If you don’t know where to start, this book breaks everything down very nicely and offers a lot of pointers. This is a book I’d recommend to everyone - especially if you’re raising kids.
February 9, 2022
The information is very important and educational and I love learning about it. However the book was not very reader friendly. It didn't grab attention. It was simply just black on white. It would have helped if their was some colour, diagrams and infographics similar to her social posts. This would have made the information easier to process and digest.
Like any educational books, it helps to have more than just words.
Like any educational books, it helps to have more than just words.
August 4, 2023
This is a life changing book, MUST READ!!
July 11, 2019
If you eat, you should read this!
September 30, 2019
Vani Hari, the "Food Babe," is one of the most controversial people involved in the food industry. She has made her fame and fortune from criticizing the deceptive practices of the food companies and big agriculture. She is not a dietician by training, but has amassed a serious and convincing argument about the quality of the foods for sale in America's restaurants and groceries..
In her book, "Feeding You Lies," Hari argues that the food information chain has been corrupted by larger corporations going after big profits at the expense of our health. Large front groups, supposedly unaffiliated, release studies and information, not disclosing that they get large amounts of their funding from industry sources. The media is compromised by their dependence on food company advertising, as are some universities, wikipedia and even Web MD.
While I like a good conspiracy theory as well as anyone, there has been a backlash against her charges that the food industry is in cahoots with the government and anyone else responsible for oversight of the nation's health. Sadly, I'm more likely to believe her story than paid representatives who have everything to lose if America starts eating healthier.
She points out identical foods sold in Europe and the USA, claiming that those sold here are much more processed and laden with chemicals, because of laxer regulations. There are more profits to be made by cutting corners, and the US market is allowing this to take place.
The second half of the book is an all out assault on some of the more damaging food myths popular in the United States. Most of these I've seen taken on in other well-regarded books, giving the author added power. These include:
- The myth of low calorie food being good for you. 100 calories of junk food can be much more damaging than 100 calories of healthier food. Plus zero calorie drinks can have unintended consequences that actually increase weight gain.
- The myth of fat being the main villain in foods. A lot of studies pointing the finger at fat were funded by the sugar industry. Sugar is the number one toxin according to this author, and she points out all sorts of ailments associated with added sugars.
- The dangers of soda consumption, even as Coca Cola is ranked as the number 3 food producer in the world. By giving us calories without any fiber, our pancreas and liver are put at risk, while the soft drink manufacturers point their fingers at Americans not exercising as why they are fat.
- Sugar free foods, fat free foods, and gluten free foods can still be very unhealthy, depending on what they substitute for the "free" ingredients.
- The flavor industry not only hides a multiple amount of sins in foods that are unpalatable and bland, but improving chemistry comes up with flavorings that makes foods addictive. She recounts the book "The Dorito Effect", in which the bland chips were slow sellers until someone came upon the secret recipe that added so much flavor that you couldn't stop eating Doritos.
- Fortified foods are tricks to make junk foods sound better, when the best way to get your vitamins and minerals is to eat fresh foods.
- The marriage of pesticide-resistant genetically modified organisms, (GMO's) and the world's most popular weed killer, (Roundup) means that farmers are so dependent on these items that pesticide residue is commonly found in our foods. No one knows for sure what these chemicals do to our body as we ingest them.
This is a book that will challenge your beliefs about the foods that you eat. It's a hard book to digest. (Pun intended.) But it could result in you choosing a healthier diet, reading food labels with a skeptical eye, and not falling for the latest food fads. She concludes the book with a 48 hour detox suggestion, and some helpful recipes for those who want to take the next step. I have no doubt that the food industry loves taking my money and doesn't particularly care if my food is healthy or not. That's up to me. What you put inside your body is the most important determinant of how healthy you will be in the future. Just as what you put inside your head determines your mental fitness and health.
Food for thought.
In her book, "Feeding You Lies," Hari argues that the food information chain has been corrupted by larger corporations going after big profits at the expense of our health. Large front groups, supposedly unaffiliated, release studies and information, not disclosing that they get large amounts of their funding from industry sources. The media is compromised by their dependence on food company advertising, as are some universities, wikipedia and even Web MD.
While I like a good conspiracy theory as well as anyone, there has been a backlash against her charges that the food industry is in cahoots with the government and anyone else responsible for oversight of the nation's health. Sadly, I'm more likely to believe her story than paid representatives who have everything to lose if America starts eating healthier.
She points out identical foods sold in Europe and the USA, claiming that those sold here are much more processed and laden with chemicals, because of laxer regulations. There are more profits to be made by cutting corners, and the US market is allowing this to take place.
The second half of the book is an all out assault on some of the more damaging food myths popular in the United States. Most of these I've seen taken on in other well-regarded books, giving the author added power. These include:
- The myth of low calorie food being good for you. 100 calories of junk food can be much more damaging than 100 calories of healthier food. Plus zero calorie drinks can have unintended consequences that actually increase weight gain.
- The myth of fat being the main villain in foods. A lot of studies pointing the finger at fat were funded by the sugar industry. Sugar is the number one toxin according to this author, and she points out all sorts of ailments associated with added sugars.
- The dangers of soda consumption, even as Coca Cola is ranked as the number 3 food producer in the world. By giving us calories without any fiber, our pancreas and liver are put at risk, while the soft drink manufacturers point their fingers at Americans not exercising as why they are fat.
- Sugar free foods, fat free foods, and gluten free foods can still be very unhealthy, depending on what they substitute for the "free" ingredients.
- The flavor industry not only hides a multiple amount of sins in foods that are unpalatable and bland, but improving chemistry comes up with flavorings that makes foods addictive. She recounts the book "The Dorito Effect", in which the bland chips were slow sellers until someone came upon the secret recipe that added so much flavor that you couldn't stop eating Doritos.
- Fortified foods are tricks to make junk foods sound better, when the best way to get your vitamins and minerals is to eat fresh foods.
- The marriage of pesticide-resistant genetically modified organisms, (GMO's) and the world's most popular weed killer, (Roundup) means that farmers are so dependent on these items that pesticide residue is commonly found in our foods. No one knows for sure what these chemicals do to our body as we ingest them.
This is a book that will challenge your beliefs about the foods that you eat. It's a hard book to digest. (Pun intended.) But it could result in you choosing a healthier diet, reading food labels with a skeptical eye, and not falling for the latest food fads. She concludes the book with a 48 hour detox suggestion, and some helpful recipes for those who want to take the next step. I have no doubt that the food industry loves taking my money and doesn't particularly care if my food is healthy or not. That's up to me. What you put inside your body is the most important determinant of how healthy you will be in the future. Just as what you put inside your head determines your mental fitness and health.
Food for thought.
August 10, 2019
Good book to have as a reference book. If you see some weird ingredients on the label, you can look it up. She also gives you name brands of things that are healthier. Also what to look out for when you read some articles saying this is good for you, or something is bad. Who is sponsoring the article? Also that we can make changes happen by voting with our food dollars. We need to know what's in our food.
December 25, 2021
Big Food invested huge resources into persuading people that their unhealthy products aren't behind the obesity, type 2 diabetes and chronic diseases affecting Americans on a grand scale.
Food is medicine.
The FDA allows manufacturer to decide whether an ingredient is safe to eat or not sop as to not waste government resources.
Focus on the ingredients, not the calories.
Cook at home with real whole foods.
The sugar industry donated money to health organizations like the American heart Association and the American Diabetes Organization which led these groups to approve sugar as part of a healthy diet.
Sugar is a soft kill with weight gain, aging, inflammation, tooth decay, fatigue, poor immunity, heart problems, liver problems, and brain dangers.
Eighty percent of the products in the grocery store feature added sugar as some are hard to spot for sugar has over 60 different names.
Sugar is toxic.
When fat is removed form food is is substituted with refined sugar.
The issue of world hunger is due to poverty, inequality and distribution - not lack of food.
Food is medicine.
The FDA allows manufacturer to decide whether an ingredient is safe to eat or not sop as to not waste government resources.
Focus on the ingredients, not the calories.
Cook at home with real whole foods.
The sugar industry donated money to health organizations like the American heart Association and the American Diabetes Organization which led these groups to approve sugar as part of a healthy diet.
Sugar is a soft kill with weight gain, aging, inflammation, tooth decay, fatigue, poor immunity, heart problems, liver problems, and brain dangers.
Eighty percent of the products in the grocery store feature added sugar as some are hard to spot for sugar has over 60 different names.
Sugar is toxic.
When fat is removed form food is is substituted with refined sugar.
The issue of world hunger is due to poverty, inequality and distribution - not lack of food.
March 20, 2019
Vani Hari is a force to be reckoned with and her book is an act of bravery and a call to action for all of us. We deserve better from our government than the con job we are being served up. Thank you, Vani, for a very readable, very well-researched wake up call. Much of the general advice here I am already employing in the way I feed my family as a result of my own journey and research, but there is still much eye-opening to be had here. I want to buy a copy of this for every American mama!
August 4, 2021
Have you ever tasted beaver butt? 🦫
Well.. now that I have your attention, I’m willing to bet you have. I won’t ruin the fun by telling you how you’ve ingested beaver butt, but just know you very likely have.
Now onto my review of this book. Disclaimer: I’ve always been a little suspicious of the US governmental agencies regarding our food sources and such, but reading this book was the nail in the coffin for me.
Vani Hari, AKA The Food Babe, takes us on an absolutely riveting journey through the wonderful world of food: including additives, dyes, pesticides/herbicides/fungicides, governmental agency corruption (including “independent” scientists) and yes, you guessed it, beaver butts. 🦫 I didn’t realize, though, just how corrupt the US food system is. Take for example, as you are probably familiar with, the Subway yoga-mat-bread scandal. I might be wrong, but the last time I checked, yoga mats aren’t edible (I just checked again; -5/10, would not recommend). Why were they allowed in the bread in the first place? Why is anything added to our food allowed anyway?! I won’t ruin the fun of you reading for yourself, but I would definitely recommend you read to find out.
Honestly it’s all very eye-opening and startling just what is allowed into our food, the complete negligence towards accurate science and the astonishing level of corruption that exists. Y’all, even European French fries are healthier than their US counterparts. If that doesn’t open your eyes, I’m not sure what will. Maybe beaver butts? Anyway, if you need me I’ll be knee deep in ingredients labels.
I took off one ⭐️ because I was a bit annoyed by the fact that there was a lot of “they [food companies] attack me and this is how.” I get the point Vani is trying to make here, but at a certain point it started to feel a bit whiny to me.
Was there also a bit of fear-mongering, as others would say? A little bit, yes. At a certain point I wanted to throw out everything in my pantry. But that doesn’t mean the information presented isn’t valid or useful. Vani is very passionate about buying only organic, which is great if you can afford it, but it’s not feasible for everyone. My advice when reading this book is to read it for the information, simmer on it, do additional research if you feel you need to, then make whatever decision you feel is best for you and your family.
TL;DR - US governmental and food agencies are corrupt and allow absurd things in our foods (that aren’t allowed in Europe). Buy only organic if you can. Beaver butts. 🦫
Well.. now that I have your attention, I’m willing to bet you have. I won’t ruin the fun by telling you how you’ve ingested beaver butt, but just know you very likely have.
Now onto my review of this book. Disclaimer: I’ve always been a little suspicious of the US governmental agencies regarding our food sources and such, but reading this book was the nail in the coffin for me.
Vani Hari, AKA The Food Babe, takes us on an absolutely riveting journey through the wonderful world of food: including additives, dyes, pesticides/herbicides/fungicides, governmental agency corruption (including “independent” scientists) and yes, you guessed it, beaver butts. 🦫 I didn’t realize, though, just how corrupt the US food system is. Take for example, as you are probably familiar with, the Subway yoga-mat-bread scandal. I might be wrong, but the last time I checked, yoga mats aren’t edible (I just checked again; -5/10, would not recommend). Why were they allowed in the bread in the first place? Why is anything added to our food allowed anyway?! I won’t ruin the fun of you reading for yourself, but I would definitely recommend you read to find out.
Honestly it’s all very eye-opening and startling just what is allowed into our food, the complete negligence towards accurate science and the astonishing level of corruption that exists. Y’all, even European French fries are healthier than their US counterparts. If that doesn’t open your eyes, I’m not sure what will. Maybe beaver butts? Anyway, if you need me I’ll be knee deep in ingredients labels.
I took off one ⭐️ because I was a bit annoyed by the fact that there was a lot of “they [food companies] attack me and this is how.” I get the point Vani is trying to make here, but at a certain point it started to feel a bit whiny to me.
Was there also a bit of fear-mongering, as others would say? A little bit, yes. At a certain point I wanted to throw out everything in my pantry. But that doesn’t mean the information presented isn’t valid or useful. Vani is very passionate about buying only organic, which is great if you can afford it, but it’s not feasible for everyone. My advice when reading this book is to read it for the information, simmer on it, do additional research if you feel you need to, then make whatever decision you feel is best for you and your family.
TL;DR - US governmental and food agencies are corrupt and allow absurd things in our foods (that aren’t allowed in Europe). Buy only organic if you can. Beaver butts. 🦫
July 26, 2023
This book is for anyone who grocery shops in the USA or who plans to visit this country. It's also for anyone who eats out in this country. It will teach you what part of the table of demons is about.
The most shocking and informative pages for me were from pages 184 -186. This book as well as other books I've read reinforce the idea that it's a buyer beware world in this country when it comes to the food buying game.
The book talks about excita-toxins and obesogens, two ingredient groups added to highly processed food products. The two groups can overlap and are both addictive. They cause people to crave food when they're not hungry and they overeat as a result.
Excita-toxins increase the probability of fornication in people. It makes it hard for them to stop playing porn films in their minds and hearts. This problem existed even in Bible times but the problem is worse nowadays.
I knew that if I couldn't pronounce a food ingredient or didn't know what it was then I shouldn't buy or eat it. Later I learned that even easy to pronounce food ingredients can cause problems. It's from books like this that I learned most corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup comes from GMO corn.
Sugar is easy to pronounce but it's a bad food ingredient. Raw unfiltered wildflower honey is better than filtered honey that comes from monocrop flowers that probably contain some type of pesticide and or herbicide residue. In Bible times all honey was raw and unfiltered. Herbicides and pesticides didn't exist back then. Even so, the Bible says too much honey is a bad thing.
I'm a sugar addict and I'm not trying very hard to give it up as of July 2023.
There were a couple of typos in this book and the index isn't as complete as I'd like. I also didn't always agree with everything in this book but I'm glad I read it.
In the book on page 211 the author mentions a study where people who water fasted for two days benefited because the fast got rid of significant amounts of BPA in those who tested positive for this chemical. Then in the next sentence she says she doesn't recommend this for people.
I've water fasted before. My first water fast was 3 days long. My longest water fast was 7 days long. If I can do it under certain circumstances then so can others.
It's easy to water fast for three days if you live alone. It's much harder to do so if you live with other people who don't share your food priorities.
There were a number of reasons I water fasted for seven days. I was in a jail facility December of 2021 and or January of 2022 and the jail food looked and smelled gross. It was also served to me on plates that looked less than squeaky clean.
Daniel ate vegetation (seeds) together with his three companions. They fasted off meat and wine and had each other for support.
Esther fasted for three days with her maidservants. The Jews in Shushan (Susa) fasted together with her.
David fasted for seven days. He was mourning his firstborn's illness, his bastard child by Bathsheba.
Moses, Elijah, and Jesus fasted 40 days. They were isolated from other humans. Jesus may have fasted 40 days as much as three separate times.
I recently wondered how Jesus celebrated Pur (Purim). John said he did many things that weren't written down.
1 Corinthians 10 talks about the table of demons and the table of Jehovah. It's not just modern food ingredients that are part of the table of demons. It is also animals that are unhappy because of rape, bestiality, or some other reason.
I read about a female duck that was gang raped by a bunch of male ducks. These males were possessed by Satan and his angels. Some people are guilty of raping animals. It's called bestiality in English. These animals may or may not be wild or pasture raised.
Revelations said that certain angels shouldn't destroy the vegetation of the earth until a certain event happens. Jesus cursed at least two fig trees.
Revelation 7:2, 3 - And I saw another angel ascending from the sunrise, having a seal of the living God; and he called with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.
Revelation 9:4 - They were told not to harm the vegetation of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
The most shocking and informative pages for me were from pages 184 -186. This book as well as other books I've read reinforce the idea that it's a buyer beware world in this country when it comes to the food buying game.
The book talks about excita-toxins and obesogens, two ingredient groups added to highly processed food products. The two groups can overlap and are both addictive. They cause people to crave food when they're not hungry and they overeat as a result.
Excita-toxins increase the probability of fornication in people. It makes it hard for them to stop playing porn films in their minds and hearts. This problem existed even in Bible times but the problem is worse nowadays.
I knew that if I couldn't pronounce a food ingredient or didn't know what it was then I shouldn't buy or eat it. Later I learned that even easy to pronounce food ingredients can cause problems. It's from books like this that I learned most corn syrup and high fructose corn syrup comes from GMO corn.
Sugar is easy to pronounce but it's a bad food ingredient. Raw unfiltered wildflower honey is better than filtered honey that comes from monocrop flowers that probably contain some type of pesticide and or herbicide residue. In Bible times all honey was raw and unfiltered. Herbicides and pesticides didn't exist back then. Even so, the Bible says too much honey is a bad thing.
I'm a sugar addict and I'm not trying very hard to give it up as of July 2023.
There were a couple of typos in this book and the index isn't as complete as I'd like. I also didn't always agree with everything in this book but I'm glad I read it.
In the book on page 211 the author mentions a study where people who water fasted for two days benefited because the fast got rid of significant amounts of BPA in those who tested positive for this chemical. Then in the next sentence she says she doesn't recommend this for people.
I've water fasted before. My first water fast was 3 days long. My longest water fast was 7 days long. If I can do it under certain circumstances then so can others.
It's easy to water fast for three days if you live alone. It's much harder to do so if you live with other people who don't share your food priorities.
There were a number of reasons I water fasted for seven days. I was in a jail facility December of 2021 and or January of 2022 and the jail food looked and smelled gross. It was also served to me on plates that looked less than squeaky clean.
Daniel ate vegetation (seeds) together with his three companions. They fasted off meat and wine and had each other for support.
Esther fasted for three days with her maidservants. The Jews in Shushan (Susa) fasted together with her.
David fasted for seven days. He was mourning his firstborn's illness, his bastard child by Bathsheba.
Moses, Elijah, and Jesus fasted 40 days. They were isolated from other humans. Jesus may have fasted 40 days as much as three separate times.
I recently wondered how Jesus celebrated Pur (Purim). John said he did many things that weren't written down.
1 Corinthians 10 talks about the table of demons and the table of Jehovah. It's not just modern food ingredients that are part of the table of demons. It is also animals that are unhappy because of rape, bestiality, or some other reason.
I read about a female duck that was gang raped by a bunch of male ducks. These males were possessed by Satan and his angels. Some people are guilty of raping animals. It's called bestiality in English. These animals may or may not be wild or pasture raised.
Revelations said that certain angels shouldn't destroy the vegetation of the earth until a certain event happens. Jesus cursed at least two fig trees.
Revelation 7:2, 3 - And I saw another angel ascending from the sunrise, having a seal of the living God; and he called with a loud voice to the four angels to whom it was granted to harm the earth and the sea, 3 saying: “Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until after we have sealed the slaves of our God in their foreheads.
Revelation 9:4 - They were told not to harm the vegetation of the earth or any green plant or any tree, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.
June 14, 2023
I came up with "the three H's" as a way to summarize the problems identified in this book with many of the large food industries. Honesty, health, and humanity. These big food industries aren't concerned much with any of those three things. They're interested in profits. So, they are willing to take shortcuts that hurt the health of their consumers and then lie about them. It is our responsibility to do our due diligence to protect ourselves, our children, and anyone else we are responsible for feeding. The author of this book, Vani Hari, is an activist that is easy to find on social media if you're interested in keeping up with her latest whistle blowing against these companies. She also offers alternative healthy recipes to a lot of popular foods and treats, I think she's worth the follow!!
This book is chock full of information about the science around the "foods" that we find in our grocery stores and how they negatively impact our bodies. If you're new to this subject, this could definitely be a worthy read!
The main takeaway for me for this book was to prioritize ingredients over anything else. Look at the ingredients in your food and avoid anything you don't recognize. That's not food. By simply shifting to eating food instead of chemicals, you're likely to notice a big change. Ingredients are more important than calories, nutrition facts, etc. Also, go organic - those foods can't be genetically modified and they can't use a lot of the mainstream poisonous fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Cook your own food at home - this way you know every ingredient that goes into it!
Remember, the best way to facilitate change in a capitalist society is to "vote with your dollars." Think of your money like energy. Where you channel that energy will create more energy. These companies will shift to follow the money. If you're casting your votes toward organic, simpler ingredient foods, they will create even more options like that - for cheaper!
You can check out my Youtube book review at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zros6...
This book is chock full of information about the science around the "foods" that we find in our grocery stores and how they negatively impact our bodies. If you're new to this subject, this could definitely be a worthy read!
The main takeaway for me for this book was to prioritize ingredients over anything else. Look at the ingredients in your food and avoid anything you don't recognize. That's not food. By simply shifting to eating food instead of chemicals, you're likely to notice a big change. Ingredients are more important than calories, nutrition facts, etc. Also, go organic - those foods can't be genetically modified and they can't use a lot of the mainstream poisonous fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, etc. Cook your own food at home - this way you know every ingredient that goes into it!
Remember, the best way to facilitate change in a capitalist society is to "vote with your dollars." Think of your money like energy. Where you channel that energy will create more energy. These companies will shift to follow the money. If you're casting your votes toward organic, simpler ingredient foods, they will create even more options like that - for cheaper!
You can check out my Youtube book review at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zros6...
July 19, 2023
Un livre intéressant sur la nutrition et la façon dont nous sommes manipulés par les grands groupes. J'ai apprécié en apprendre plus sur ces stratégies, que ce soit sur les fausses enquêtes (dont j'avais déjà conscience), l'utilisation d'influenceurs et de trolls, ou sur le choix des mots sur les emballages.
Cependant, j'ai moins apprécié la partie sur les ingrédients à éviter. Bien que j'ai trouvé intéressant de savoir pourquoi certaines choses ne devraient pas être consommées et comment elles ont progressivement gagné en proéminence dans nos produits. Cependant, je pense qu'en tant qu'européenne, de nombreuses choses ne me concernent pas, même si c'est bon à savoir si je voyage hors UE. De plus, j'ai trouvé que le livre manquait de balance : il prône seulement de ne pas manger certaines choses, lorsque parfois, on n'a pas forcément le choix que ce soit pour des raisons d'accessibilité ou de moyens. En effet, de nombreuses personnes ne peuvent pas se permettre de ne manger que des produits frais bios et éthiques venant directement du producteur, soit parce qu'ils n'ont pas les moyens financiers (les personnes avec peu de revenus sont obligés d'acheter des produits moins nutritifs car c'est tout ce qui leur est possible !) ou parce qu'ils n'y ont pas accès de par leur lieu de vie (si on habite dans un milieu rural, il faut parfois faire plusieurs heures de route pour ça). J'aurai donc aimé que cela soit reconnu.
Enfin, j'ai souvent trouvé le ton moralisateur, me donnant l'impression que l'auteur disait que si on ne supprimait pas les produits indiqués de notre régime, alors on ne pouvait pas se plaindre d'être en mauvaise santé.
Cependant, j'ai moins apprécié la partie sur les ingrédients à éviter. Bien que j'ai trouvé intéressant de savoir pourquoi certaines choses ne devraient pas être consommées et comment elles ont progressivement gagné en proéminence dans nos produits. Cependant, je pense qu'en tant qu'européenne, de nombreuses choses ne me concernent pas, même si c'est bon à savoir si je voyage hors UE. De plus, j'ai trouvé que le livre manquait de balance : il prône seulement de ne pas manger certaines choses, lorsque parfois, on n'a pas forcément le choix que ce soit pour des raisons d'accessibilité ou de moyens. En effet, de nombreuses personnes ne peuvent pas se permettre de ne manger que des produits frais bios et éthiques venant directement du producteur, soit parce qu'ils n'ont pas les moyens financiers (les personnes avec peu de revenus sont obligés d'acheter des produits moins nutritifs car c'est tout ce qui leur est possible !) ou parce qu'ils n'y ont pas accès de par leur lieu de vie (si on habite dans un milieu rural, il faut parfois faire plusieurs heures de route pour ça). J'aurai donc aimé que cela soit reconnu.
Enfin, j'ai souvent trouvé le ton moralisateur, me donnant l'impression que l'auteur disait que si on ne supprimait pas les produits indiqués de notre régime, alors on ne pouvait pas se plaindre d'être en mauvaise santé.
August 10, 2021
I've spent a lot of time reading Pollan, Olmsted, Weber, Schlosser and the like and what's so different about this book is the disproportionate vitriol towards anyone that has ever challenged her opinions and the mental gymnastics that are rife in the questions posed when suggesting supposed "choices" between food products that are available and their additives, production methods, preservatives, etc.
"You wouldn't want to eat poison would you, right?"
"You wouldn't give your kids a giant block of radium, would you?"
It's a bizarrely written and mostly gross US vs. THEM quandary of impossible decisions. Eat painfully scrutinized and expensive organic foods at all costs, and if you don't, you're basically just going to die of cancer or worse.
I would have given it one star, but if Dr. Kevin Folta, the main (but one of many) pariahs of the book can give a 2 star review that sums up the logical fallacies and misinformation better than I can, so can I.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
This book preys on people that accept all their information from one source, and would be a sad existence to rely on this book solely without other extremely credible sources to help sort out the facts. On the bright side, if it at least gets you thinking about where your food is coming from and what nutrition really means, more power to you.
PS for someone that is such a victim of "astroturfing", the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon sure are favorable.
"You wouldn't want to eat poison would you, right?"
"You wouldn't give your kids a giant block of radium, would you?"
It's a bizarrely written and mostly gross US vs. THEM quandary of impossible decisions. Eat painfully scrutinized and expensive organic foods at all costs, and if you don't, you're basically just going to die of cancer or worse.
I would have given it one star, but if Dr. Kevin Folta, the main (but one of many) pariahs of the book can give a 2 star review that sums up the logical fallacies and misinformation better than I can, so can I.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/customer-re...
This book preys on people that accept all their information from one source, and would be a sad existence to rely on this book solely without other extremely credible sources to help sort out the facts. On the bright side, if it at least gets you thinking about where your food is coming from and what nutrition really means, more power to you.
PS for someone that is such a victim of "astroturfing", the reviews on Goodreads and Amazon sure are favorable.
December 30, 2022
Overall, I would give it 4 stars.
The book does a great job of exposing the ways in which the food industry can manipulate and deceive consumers, particularly when it comes to health claims and marketing tactics. The author does a thorough job of researching and citing sources, making the information presented feel reliable and well-supported.
One thing I particularly appreciated about the book was the practical advice and tips provided for how to navigate the food industry and make healthier choices. The chapter on reading and understanding nutrition labels was especially helpful, as it gave me a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for groceries.
However, I did feel that some of the information was repetitive at times and the writing could have been more concise. Additionally, the author's biases were quite apparent throughout the book, which might turn some readers off.
Overall, I would recommend "Feeding You Lies" to anyone interested in learning more about the food industry and how to make healthier choices. It's a valuable resource that provides a lot of useful information and tips.
The book does a great job of exposing the ways in which the food industry can manipulate and deceive consumers, particularly when it comes to health claims and marketing tactics. The author does a thorough job of researching and citing sources, making the information presented feel reliable and well-supported.
One thing I particularly appreciated about the book was the practical advice and tips provided for how to navigate the food industry and make healthier choices. The chapter on reading and understanding nutrition labels was especially helpful, as it gave me a better understanding of what to look for when shopping for groceries.
However, I did feel that some of the information was repetitive at times and the writing could have been more concise. Additionally, the author's biases were quite apparent throughout the book, which might turn some readers off.
Overall, I would recommend "Feeding You Lies" to anyone interested in learning more about the food industry and how to make healthier choices. It's a valuable resource that provides a lot of useful information and tips.
March 8, 2024
Lots of good information
I learned a lot from this book concerning food labeling practices. I read ‘Grow a new body by Alberto Villoldo’ and was planning on starting the diet within a week. This book really helped me understand how to read and why to read food/drink nutrition labels. I learned a lot of the food in my house was packed with ingredients I don’t want to consume. Combining these two books will help me as I move forward with going organic I feel will be beneficial.
I agree we are being fed lies by the industry because I’ve followed all the guidelines and I’ve still gained weight and been unhealthy. Following what people are saying about going organic I’ve shed weight and feel better. No more sleeping throughout the day which was caused by sugar overload. Now I know more names for sugar. I will be on the lookout for it in the products I buy. I look forward to the day when food manufacturers are forced to disclose what they put in our food.
As you read this book keep an open mind and remember our media lies to us and tells us how only they can be trusted. Ever look up to see who is funding their ads?
I learned a lot from this book concerning food labeling practices. I read ‘Grow a new body by Alberto Villoldo’ and was planning on starting the diet within a week. This book really helped me understand how to read and why to read food/drink nutrition labels. I learned a lot of the food in my house was packed with ingredients I don’t want to consume. Combining these two books will help me as I move forward with going organic I feel will be beneficial.
I agree we are being fed lies by the industry because I’ve followed all the guidelines and I’ve still gained weight and been unhealthy. Following what people are saying about going organic I’ve shed weight and feel better. No more sleeping throughout the day which was caused by sugar overload. Now I know more names for sugar. I will be on the lookout for it in the products I buy. I look forward to the day when food manufacturers are forced to disclose what they put in our food.
As you read this book keep an open mind and remember our media lies to us and tells us how only they can be trusted. Ever look up to see who is funding their ads?
July 28, 2024
Chưa đọc hết nhưng cảm thấy thất vọng vì đã mua cuốn sách này. Ngôn từ đầy cảm tính, tác động đến cảm xúc của ng đọc. K có dẫn chứng cụ thể cho những tài liệu khoa học mà tác giả đã đọc để ng đọc có thể tìm và kiểm chứng lại. Có một sự phiến diện rất lớn trong cuốn sách, thật sự như ng theo trường phái bài trừ thực phẩm dùng phụ gia hay chế biến sẵn. Tất nhiên tiêu thụ nhiều các sản phẩm này cũng k tốt, nhưng k đến mức cần phải thái độ tẩy chay như cái gì ghê tởm lắm. Và có nhiều sự đánh đồng ở đây. Vd nói chất bảo quản gây ung thư, nhưng cụ thể là chất gì? Đâu phải chất bảo quản = gây ung thư, đâu phải mọi chất bảo quản đều gây ung thư. Và cũng đâu phải cứ có mặt chất đó thì ăn sẽ bị bệnh? Mọi thứ đều là chất độc nếu liều lượng sử dụng vượt mức an toàn. Mấu chốt ở đây là LIỀU LƯỢNG, k phải là CÁI GÌ.
Thông tin k đến từ ng có kiến thức chuyên môn trong ngành, mà chỉ là người tự tìm hiểu, nên t nhận định thông tin trong sách k đủ độ tin cậy.
Thông tin k đến từ ng có kiến thức chuyên môn trong ngành, mà chỉ là người tự tìm hiểu, nên t nhận định thông tin trong sách k đủ độ tin cậy.
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January 3, 2021I understand Hari's schtick is to unmask the ways food companies, particularly in the US, are including terrible ingredients in their products. I appreciate this; someone has to do it. And the difference between ingredients lists in the US and in Europe for the same products is vast--it doesn't take a rocket science to understand why that is. However, she's comparing foods that are ultimately not very good for you anyway because they are processed no matter what their ingredients are--many of these foods still have a high amount of sugar even if the ingredients are overall "healthier" or "more natural."
Overall, I put down this book due to the outraged tone. That's one of a variety of tones that an activist can make, and that may work for some people. But an entire book written like that? I have to pass.
Overall, I put down this book due to the outraged tone. That's one of a variety of tones that an activist can make, and that may work for some people. But an entire book written like that? I have to pass.
September 26, 2023
Pretty good once it gets going, but the first couple chapters were annoying to me as it almost came across like the author defending herself against the Big Food Industry attacks that she has received instead of providing an educational look at what’s in our food and why we should advocate for ourselves (which is what the content of the book should be). I would’ve liked to have seen more scientific data presented in somewhere other than the footnotes/referenced (even if it is a little “boring”) and less non scientific statements like “that’s gross”. However, it does a good job at persuading the reader to investigate their food make their own decisions for themselves and their family about what they’re eating, which I think is the goal. Hopefully we can all agree that we need to eat more whole, real foods and less processed stuff!
October 10, 2023
Ever since finishing this book I have found myself intensely analyzing the nutrition labels on everything that I buy- from toothpaste and candles to cereal boxes and ice cream. I have also become obnoxious about buying good food and will make negative comments about different food brands when I see friends or family buying them (specifically soda products). A large part of this book was simply an expose on certain corporations and individuals that lobby against sustainable, organic products in favor of larger profits. Although the author has no formal education on this subject and writes as an activist, she supports all of her arguments with credible sources and studies. Some of the scientific data she included on food ingredients was a little dry, but for the most part it was a good book and I feel like I can now make better choices as a consumer to support my health.
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